Warden Message

November 5, 2008

On November 3, 2008, the Government of Bangladesh announced further relaxation of the State of Emergency to pave the way for December 18 elections.  While not all Emergency Power Rules have been relaxed, those that prohibit demonstrations and processions in the name of campaigning have been.  As a result, we expect to see many more large demonstrations and rallies than we have seen since the declaration of the State of Emergency in January 2007.  Demonstrations in Bangladesh, including those organized for campaigning purposes, have a history of erupting in violence. 

The security situation in Bangladesh is fluid, and Americans are urged to check with the U.S. Embassy for the latest information.  American citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence quickly and unexpectedly.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  American citizens should stay up-to-date with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.  Information regarding demonstrations in Bangladesh can be found on the U.S. Embassy Dhaka’s web site at http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/

Visitors to Bangladesh should check with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka for updated information on the current political situation.  The U.S. Embassy is located approximately four miles south of Zia International Airport, and five miles north of downtown in the Diplomatic Enclave, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka, telephone (88-02) 885-5500, fax number (88-02) 882-3744.  The Consular Section is open for American Citizens Services Sunday through Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  For emergency services and general information during business hours, please call (88-02) 882-3805.  For emergency services after hours, please call (88-02) 885-5500 and ask for the duty officer. 

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Worldwide Caution, can be found.  Americans traveling to or living in Bangladesh who are registered at the U.S. Embassy will receive updated security information about Bangladesh via e-mail.  All Demonstration Notices and Warden Messages are posted on the Embassy’s web site at http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/.  Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. Embassy
Dhaka, Bangladesh